Design Review Committee (In-Person) (Jan 15, 2026)

Design Review Committee Meeting Recap: 50 Coxe Avenue Development Under Review (January 15, 2026)

On January 15, 2026, Asheville’s Design Review Committee (DRC) convened in City Hall to conduct an informal design review of a proposed 200-unit, affordable apartment complex planned for 50 Coxe Avenue in downtown Asheville. The meeting, which included a brief pre-meeting for committee members at 12:15 p.m., centered on providing feedback to the development team, Harmony Housing and Buncombe County, represented by Bolton & Mank. While no formal votes were taken during this initial review stage, the discussion highlighted key considerations for the project's design and impact on the surrounding community.

The primary focus of the meeting was a detailed presentation outlining the proposed development, which includes 200 affordable units (targeting households at or below 80% of the Area Median Income), 138 parking spaces, a playground green roof, retail space, a community club room, and townhomes along Sawyer Street. Committee members engaged in extensive discussions regarding several aspects of the design. A significant portion of the conversation revolved around the alleyway adjacent to the development, with suggestions made for permeable pavers and enhanced landscaping to create a more pedestrian-friendly space. Concerns were also raised about the building’s proximity to the historic Oddfellows Building and potential impacts on access, prompting a request for further design considerations. The committee strongly emphasized the importance of activating the corner of Cox and Sawyer with an engaging design, rather than simply landscaping.

Beyond aesthetics, the committee explored sustainability aspects of the project, noting efforts to reduce impervious surface area and incorporate energy-efficient features. Discussions also touched on the need for adequate bike storage, stormwater management solutions (potentially utilizing the green roof), and ensuring accessibility throughout the building. A recurring theme was a desire for the final design to reflect Asheville’s unique character, discouraging generic materials like fiber cement siding and encouraging innovative architectural elements. Committee members stressed the importance of a welcoming pedestrian experience, particularly addressing concerns about sidewalk grading and stairwell accessibility. Finally, the planned public art installation was discussed, with encouragement to consider diverse artistic mediums beyond murals.

There were no formal public comments taken during this informal review meeting, as per the agenda. However, the committee’s feedback will directly influence the development team's next steps.

Following this review, several key action items were identified for the design team (Bolton & Mank/Harmony Housing). These include coordinating with the property owner regarding the alleyway, exploring permeable paver options, further developing plans for the plaza space and lighting, providing more detail on bike storage solutions, refining the design of the corner at Cox and Sawyer, addressing accessibility concerns, developing a plan for public art that reflects Asheville’s character, and clarifying the timeline for the upcoming Technical Review Committee (TRC) review on January 21st. The County will also continue discussions with the property owner regarding the alleyway.

This review process is an important step in ensuring that new developments within downtown Asheville align with the city's design guidelines and contribute positively to the community. Residents can expect further opportunities for input as the project progresses through the formal approval process, and are encouraged to follow updates on the City of Asheville website.